Title: The Giver Author: Lois Lowry In this interesting book, the author Lois Lowry shows us how a fantasy community is run. The people in this community know nothing about other communities. It begins with a young boy named Jonas whom has finally gotten at that age in which they are given their future jobs. Receiver of memory is the job that turns out to be for Jonas. It is a very important job that is not given often. The thing is, this community basically lives in a box. They know nothing about war, love, pain, and more. The Giver is the only one who has these memories, which have been passed down from giver to giver. Once Jonas starts receiving these memories, he starts to know that there is so much life outside his community than he could have ever imagined. Lowry has many popular books out there such as Gathering Blue and Messenger. Lowry, this award-winning author lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The different awards she has won are A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Notable Book for Children, Winner of the Regina Medal, a Booklist Editors’ Choice, and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Even though this book is contemporary fantasy, some things did sound like true life. For example, the fact that Jonas had a family, an annoying little sister, his best friend, he had to go to school and deal with teachers, the fact that they had “some” real life jobs such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and more as well. The fantasy part would be for instance some of the other jobs like Receiver of memory, birthmother, and more. Basically, how this community runs. The characters sound like common people but with no knowledge of real life. Jonas is the only one who experiences the pain and joy of life. Yet, he can not share it with anyone. I would totally recommend this book because the imagination that the author used in this story is very interesting and really keeps one interested in the book. Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 1993. 179 pages. Ages 13-18. Genre: Contemporary Fantasy. Language: English ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Title: Los Hornos de Hitler Author: Olga Lengyel Los Hornos de Hitler is a non-fiction book in Spanish that talks about the horror people went through in the early 1900’s. In this book, Olga Lengyel, the author, explains how German women had to help move around dead bodies, victims from Belsen, to be buried. She also informs the reader that the concentration camp that got it the worst was Dachau. Olga did not receive any awards for this book yet it is a very popular book in México. Olga went through all this horror, this is her testimony and that makes this book very interesting to read. She dedicates this book to her parents, her husband and children, and all the innocent people that suffered during this time. I really loved reading this book. Not only is this book great because it talks about a very important time that scarred the world but the book is written by someone whom actually lived it. In school, everyone has to learn about Hitler. Yet, reading this book almost makes you feel like you are there living it as well. Teachers should have their students read this book in order to get a good idea of how things went down in Hitler’s time. Lengyel, Olga. Los Hornos de Hitler. México, D.F.: Litográfica Tauro, 2003. 263 pages. Ages 16- up . Genre: Non- Fiction Language: Spanish ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Title: Waiting Till Helen Comes Author: Mary Hahn This book talks about the horror that two stepsister go through. Ever since the families got together, Molly and Heather have had a hard time trusting each other. When the family moves to the country, Heather starts seeing a ghost named Helen. At first, they think that Helen is evil, yet, at the end of the story, it turns out that Helen is actually an angel and everyone ends u getting along. There really isn’t any information on the author of the book, Mary Hahn, yet her book was winner of 11 State Book Awards and was a “first-rate thriller” so said ALA Booklist, starred review. Also, other books she has written are books like All the Lovely Bad Ones, Witch Catcher, As Ever, Gordy, and more. I enjoyed this book because I really enjoy reading books about suspense, horror, and so on. I love thrillers. The fact that it seemed that Helen was a mean ghost and it turns out the complete opposite really was a shocker and I love it when a book surprises one like that. This book can be good for teachers to give to their students because it really is hard to have students read books for school in general so if they were to read this book which is such an attention grabber, they might not mind. Hahn, Mary. Wait Till Helen Comes. New York: Clarion Books, 1986. 184 pages. Ages 16-18. Genre: Chapter Book. Language: English ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Title: The Stepsister Author: R.L. Stine The Stepsister is a very interesting book to read. This was one of the first books that I actually really enjoyed reading. Emily, a girl that just met her new stepfather and stepsister, is not too excited about her stepsister. Ever since her father died, she has been having a hard time forgetting him. And so it seems, her stepsister isn’t planning on making her life any easier. Ever since Jessie moved in, Emily has been suffering a lot. Yet, at the end, it turns out that Jessie had nothing to do with it. Turns out that it was Emily’s younger sister whom was doing everything all along. Revenging her dead father thinking that Emily was to blame and using Jessie to make it look like she was the one doing everything to Emily. The author, R.L. Stine, has written many books. Some are Goosebumps books and others such as this one are Fear Street books. Even though he did not win any awards for this book, he was one of the most famous authors for children’s books in the 1990’s. There was even a TV series for Goosebumps that was a hit with children during its time. I loved this book because it really kept me interested the whole time. The suspense, the drama, and all was really fun to read. I wouldn’t recommend this to teachers for them to give to their students as assignments to read yet I would recommend teachers to recommend this book and others like it to students for fun. This way, students will like what they are reading and all together, the rewarding part would be that, they are reading! I enjoyed it so much, that I read this book like 3 or 4 times. Stine, R.L. The Stepsister. New York: Pocket Books, 1990. 165 pages. Ages 13-18. Genre: Young Adult Novels. Language: English ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Title: Much Ado About Nothing
Author: Shakespeare This play is obviously good because the famous writer Shakespeare wrote it. This book is about a couple that falls in love. This is back in the late 1500’s. In this play, Hero and Claudio are deeply in love. Yet people try to split them up by making Claudio think that she is cheating on him but at the end, everything clears up and they get married and live happily ever after. Outstanding scholars edited this book and as one knows, Shakespeare is not only a great writer but also almost like a legend. He has left his mark on this world and people will hear of Shakespeare for many more centuries to come. I was made to read this book in one of my literature classes and loved reading it. Not only was the century in which the play takes place very interesting because of their way of living but also because it shows that they had a lot in common with our time. Now in days, people still fight for love, people still are being cheated on, people still are being lied to, and more. Some of Shakespeare’s books are very hard to follow along or even understand but this book was pretty clear and it made it the more fun to read. This book is perfect for a literature class because it is a great short play written by a great writer.
Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing. New York: 1998. 100 pages. Ages 17- . Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Title: Horrible Harry and the Dungeon
Author: Suzy Kline Harry is a very naughty boy whom causes a lot of trouble in his class. One day, he misbehaves and is sent to go with Mr. Skooghammer, the new teacher. Harry is teribly frightened. He believes he is on his way to “the dungeon.” He thinks that Mr. Skooghammer is an evil man who will torture him but at the end he realizes that Mr. Skooghammer is not evil at all. In fact, he has a great time in the suspension room with him. Suzy Kline did not receive any awards yet she is actually a second grade teacher and she dedicated this book to her second grade students. Other books she has written include books such as Horrible Harry in Rm 2b, Horrible Harry’s Secret, and more. This is a great book because it deals with kids their age and in a way it makes them think twice before judging a book by its cover. In the book, Harry thought that Mr. Skooghammer was a mean teacher and it turns out that he was a great one. Another great thing about this book is that they talk a lot about nature in this book and that is good for our young readers as well.
Kline, Suzy. Horrible Harry and the Dungeon. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1996. 58 pages. Ages 7-9. Genre: Chapter book. Language: English
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Title: Como mamá, Just like Mom Author: Isabel Muñoz This book is a great book for bilingual students starting to read. This book is about a little boy named Eric who is being annoyed by his little sister Julieta. For fun, he decides to dress up Julieta as his mom. He puts on his sister his mother’s dress, makeup, and jewelry. But when he tells Julieta to walk like mom in his mother’s long purple dress, she slips. And whom was to blame, of course, Eric. There is no information on the author or if she has won any awards yet this book is a scholastic book. This is such a great book for students whom are bilingual because the book is in Spanish and in English. One can read it in whichever language they want. I would recommend this book to teachers because it is bilingual, it deals with children doing what children do best, have fun. Another thing is that the book is not too long so it is the perfect length for children learning to read. Another thing is that there are nice big pictures in which the students can see what is going on in the story. Muñoz, Isabel. Como mamá, Just Like Mom. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2005. 22 pages. Ages: 4-7 Genre: Picture book. Language: English and Spanish ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Title: The Cat in the Hat Author: Dr. Seuss In this crazy children’s book, the Cat comes into the home of two children along with Thing 1 and Thing 2. They make a mess out of the house while trying to make the children have fun. Yet it is no fun when their house is being destroyed. Yet, right before their mother arrives, the Cat along with Thing 1 and 2 disappear leaving the house as it was before they arrived! Dr. Seuss is a great author. He uses rhymes, creatures out of this world, and much more to write these books which is obviously a good idea because there is no children whom has never read a book by Dr. Seuss. I really enjoyed reading Dr. Seuss books because I found it funny and interesting how bad this Cat would behave yet he was still a good hearted Cat. Like in this book, all he was trying to do was cheer these kids up, yet, he did it by almost completely destroying their home. I would really recommend this book to teachers because it is a great book for students beginning to read. These books are also found in Spanish for those bilingual students. Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1957. 72 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture Storybook. Language: English ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Title: The Cat in the Hat Comes Back Author: Dr. Seuss In this book, the naughty and annoying Cat is back. Sally and her big brother are put to shovel snow yet here comes along the Cat again ready to prevent them from doing their chore. Once again, they get into their house and start messing around with all of their parents belongings and more. Dr. Seuss has written many great children’s books which have left their mark on all of them including me because I had not read these books in a while and I still remembered it like it was yesterday. I really would recommend this book to all the teachers with young students because it is a book that will keep them interested in the book and at the same time, it is not that hard to read. Because of the fact that it is not too long, it includes many pictures, and it rhymes, it is very easy for children to read. Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1958. 72 pages. Ages 4-7. Genre: Picture Storybook. Language: English ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Title: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish Author: Dr. Seuss This book was a great book to read back when I was young. It was a book about numbers, activities, colors, and so on. It involved colorful fish obviously, counting them, flying kites, and so much more. Dr. Seuss really wanted children to enjoy reading by writing these out of the ordinary books. The rhymes and the stories are so amusing that they just make one want to read more and more. These books are great for children. These books will help them learn to read in a fun way. The book is very colorful, the rhymes are very funny, and the activities and the creatures and children do in the book are very fun to see. I would really recommend not only this book but all the Dr. Seuss books to all the teachers yet I’m sure they have all already know that these books are some of the best books out there for beginners. Dr. Seuss. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1960. 72 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture Storybook. Language: English ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Title:Thomas’s ABC Book Author:Rev. W. Awdry This book is about Thomas the train and his friends.What is nice about this book is that it goes through the whole alphabet by naming objects concerning trains and Thomas’s friends as well.The book does not say if it has won any awards but I am sure it has because it is very popular throughout the U. S. and it also has a television show called Shining Time Station.There are more books like this such as “Thomas’ Train Yard Tracks,” “All Aboard with Thomas,” and more. These books are really nice for children.Not only does it include the alphabet but it also helps children learn about trains.I would really recommend this to pre-school teachers and to parents to read to their children.Even if they do not go to school yet, if read to children by their parents, it will prepare them for either pre- school or kindergarten. Awdry, W.Thomas‘s ABC Book.New York:Random House Inc., 1998.23 pages.Ages 2-5.Genre: Picture book.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:Sissy Duckling Author:Harvey Fierstein This great book is about a little duck named Elmer.Elmer does not really follow the crowd, which is what his father would like for him to do.Instead of playing sports he cheers them on, he loves to cook, and so on yet his father does not approve of that and all the other ducks his age start calling him a “sissy” which makes his father even more upset.One day, when all the duck are flying away for the winter, he decides to stay and live inside a tree.Yet he does not stay alone.Turns out that hunters shot his father and he ends up taking care of him making his father accept him for who he is.This book does not mention any awards yet the reviews are great. I really recommend this book to teachers and parents.It is very important that children are being informed about gay men and lesbian women.They have to understand that these homosexuals are no different to any other person.We are all humans and people names such as “sissy” hurts people’s feelings.There is nothing wrong with being a homosexual and children should be taught all of this. Fierstein, Harvey.Sissy Duckling.New York:Aladdin, 2005.40 pages.Ages 4-8.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:The Nutcracker Author:???? This pop-up book is about a girl who receives for Christmas a nutcracker.She falls asleep and starts to dream about the nutcracker becoming a prince.There are evil mice, floats, and more.I’m not sure if there are any awards for this book but there are more like it such as “A Christmas Carol,” “The Night Before Christmas,” “The First Christmas,” and more. Even though these are great books, I am not sure if I would recommend it to teachers.This book in particular would be fine but books such as The First Christmas I wouldn’t be to sure because it involves religion and I don’t think that is too appropriate.Maybe, if the teacher believes it is a good book, she could have it in class for children to read by themselves.If they chose it, then there should be no problem.I’m sure they would enjoy it because most children love pop-ups. Unknown.The Nutcracker.Ohio:Landoll, Inc., 1995.5 pages.Ages 4-7.Genre: Picture book.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:Mi Primer Larousse de Cuentos Author:Amalia Estrada This book includes many stories in it.It includes Blanca Nieves, La Cenicienta, La Bella Durmiente del Bosque, El Gato con Botas, Pulgarcito, Caperucita Roja, El Patito Feo, La Princesa y el Guisante, Los Tres Cerditos, y Barba Azul.What is nice about this book is that all the fairytale stories are different from the original ones.For example, in Blanca Nieves, the witch tries to poison her with a comb first.But once the dwarfs took the comb out of her hair, she was ok.These stories are great and out of the ordinary.Since it is a book from Mexico, I am not sure if it has won awards but I’m sure it has because they seem to be very popular. I would really recommend this book to parents and teachers.It is really nice to see a different story from one’s favorite fairytale.It will set off the children’s imaginations and more. Estrada, Amalia.Mi Primer Larousse de Cuentos.Paris:Larousse/VUEF 21, 2002.239 pages.Ages 6-?.Genre: Picture book.Language:Spanish *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:House on Mango Street Author:Sandra Cisneros This book is about a young girl named Esperanza Cordero.Esperanza is a Hispanic girl who lives in Chicago.She goes through a lot of situations like discrimination and more.She faces school issues, home issues, and community issues.Cisneros won the American Book Award for this book. I would really recommend this book to everyone, not only teachers.I really enjoyed it because I myself was able to relate to Esperanza being a Hispanic girl myself that has to deal with discrimination at times.All we want to do is reach our goals no matter what it takes.Teachers should really have their students read this book because it teaches them about life such as gangs, discrimination, pregnancy, and more. Cisneros, Sandra.House on Mango Street.New York:American Book Award, 1985.128 pages.Ages 15-??.Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:Lyddie Author:Katherine Paterson This heartfelt book is about a girl named Lyddie whom is sent to work along with her brother Charles in order to make money to pay for their debts and get the family farm back.After she sees that that will never happen, she decides to be free and independent.She sets goals such as going to college and being someone in life. I would recommend this book to teachers because it will teach children about family values.Also, that when there are life struggles, no one should ever give up because if one sets their minds, they can achieve anything just like Lyddie did. Paterson, Katherine.Lyddie.New York:Puffin, 2004.192 pages.Ages 9-12.Genre: Historical Fiction.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:The Real Mother Goose Author:Blanche Fish Wright This Mother Goose is a great book.It has most of the little poems I loved reading while growing up.Such poems include “Pat a cake,” “The Cat and the Fiddle,” and more.These are poems that one will remember forever and pass it on to one’s children and grandchildren.The book does not mention any awards won for it yet I know the author has won awards for many of her other books. This book would be great for teachers and parents.It really sets children’s imagination.It also teaches them about rhyming words and other fun stuff such as animals, characters, and more.This book has touched children’s lives in such a way that today as grown ups they still remember them.Also, I am sure it would be recommended by many other schools as well. Wright, Blanche.The Real Mother Goose.New York:Cartwheel; Library Binding Edition, 1994.128 pages.Ages 4-8.Genre: Poetry.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:Porsh Lies, Tales of Sticksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters Author:Patricia C. McKissack This great folktale book is a book about many different witty characters.Such characters include Pete Bruce, Mingo, Frank, Jesse James, the Howard boys, and many more.Even though this book did not win any awards, it is still considered a great book just like the many others she has written.These books include “The Honest to Goodness Truth,” “The Story of Doctor Dolittle,” and many more. This book would be great for teachers to either read or have their students read on their own.Not only will the children’s imagination grow but these are catchy stories that they will want to read over and over again helping them better their reading. McKissack, Patricia.Porsh Lies, Tales of Sticksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters.New York:Schwartz and Wade, 2006.160pages.Ages 9-12.Genre: Traditional Literature.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:Hatchet Author:Gary Paulsen This great story is about a young boy named Brian who is on his way to visit his father in Canada yet unfortunately is part of a plane accident in which he is stranded.Being alone, he struggles to survive on his own.At his young age he does many things that keep him alive yet at times he starts to lose faith.This book was reviewed as the Newberry Honor Book, An Ana Notable Book, and Booklists Editor’s Choice. This is a book that will keep kids on the edge of their seats!It is a great book that will have kids reading a great book that they will not want to stop until they finish it yet best of all, it will have them reading which will better their vocabulary, grammar, and more. Paulsen, Gary.Hatchet.New York:Aladdin, 2006.192pages.Ages 9-12.Genre: Survival Story.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Title:Shadow and the Coconut Caper Author:Richard Hays This book is about Shadow the raccoon whom puts clues for his friend Screech by using arrows and coconuts.Even though Screech thinks its all tricks from Shadow, he still decides to follow the arrows.At the end, it turns out that the arrows were taking him to where his friends where waiting for him to say to him happy birthday.It does not say if the author won any awards for this book but he has written many other books such as “Dreamer Has a Nightmare,” “Stretch’s Treasure Hunt,” “Camels Don’t Fly,” and many more. The reason why I would recommend this book to teachers is because this book would really set off children’s imaginations.It involves animals and from the jungle and the fun and mysteries they go through.It teaches children about friendship and how to get along.It teaches children to treat others the way they would like to be treated. Hays, Richard.Shadow and the Coconut Caper.Canada:The Illustrated Word, Inc., 2001.23 pages.Ages 4-7.Genre: Picture book.Language:English *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Mayra Ramos
Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
In this interesting book, the author Lois Lowry shows us how a fantasy community is run. The people in this community know nothing about other communities. It begins with a young boy named Jonas whom has finally gotten at that age in which they are given their future jobs. Receiver of memory is the job that turns out to be for Jonas. It is a very important job that is not given often. The thing is, this community basically lives in a box. They know nothing about war, love, pain, and more. The Giver is the only one who has these memories, which have been passed down from giver to giver. Once Jonas starts receiving these memories, he starts to know that there is so much life outside his community than he could have ever imagined. Lowry has many popular books out there such as Gathering Blue and Messenger. Lowry, this award-winning author lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The different awards she has won are A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Notable Book for Children, Winner of the Regina Medal, a Booklist Editors’ Choice, and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Even though this book is contemporary fantasy, some things did sound like true life. For example, the fact that Jonas had a family, an annoying little sister, his best friend, he had to go to school and deal with teachers, the fact that they had “some” real life jobs such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and more as well. The fantasy part would be for instance some of the other jobs like Receiver of memory, birthmother, and more. Basically, how this community runs. The characters sound like common people but with no knowledge of real life. Jonas is the only one who experiences the pain and joy of life. Yet, he can not share it with anyone. I would totally recommend this book because the imagination that the author used in this story is very interesting and really keeps one interested in the book.
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 1993. 179 pages. Ages 13-18. Genre: Contemporary Fantasy. Language: English
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Title: Los Hornos de Hitler
Author: Olga Lengyel
Los Hornos de Hitler is a non-fiction book in Spanish that talks about the horror people went through in the early 1900’s. In this book, Olga Lengyel, the author, explains how German women had to help move around dead bodies, victims from Belsen, to be buried. She also informs the reader that the concentration camp that got it the worst was Dachau. Olga did not receive any awards for this book yet it is a very popular book in México. Olga went through all this horror, this is her testimony and that makes this book very interesting to read. She dedicates this book to her parents, her husband and children, and all the innocent people that suffered during this time.
I really loved reading this book. Not only is this book great because it talks about a very important time that scarred the world but the book is written by someone whom actually lived it. In school, everyone has to learn about Hitler. Yet, reading this book almost makes you feel like you are there living it as well. Teachers should have their students read this book in order to get a good idea of how things went down in Hitler’s time.
Lengyel, Olga. Los Hornos de Hitler. México, D.F.: Litográfica Tauro, 2003. 263 pages. Ages 16- up . Genre: Non- Fiction Language: Spanish
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Title: Waiting Till Helen Comes
Author: Mary Hahn
This book talks about the horror that two stepsister go through. Ever since the families got together, Molly and Heather have had a hard time trusting each other. When the family moves to the country, Heather starts seeing a ghost named Helen. At first, they think that Helen is evil, yet, at the end of the story, it turns out that Helen is actually an angel and everyone ends u getting along. There really isn’t any information on the author of the book, Mary Hahn, yet her book was winner of 11 State Book Awards and was a “first-rate thriller” so said ALA Booklist, starred review. Also, other books she has written are books like All the Lovely Bad Ones, Witch Catcher, As Ever, Gordy, and more.
I enjoyed this book because I really enjoy reading books about suspense, horror, and so on. I love thrillers. The fact that it seemed that Helen was a mean ghost and it turns out the complete opposite really was a shocker and I love it when a book surprises one like that. This book can be good for teachers to give to their students because it really is hard to have students read books for school in general so if they were to read this book which is such an attention grabber, they might not mind.
Hahn, Mary. Wait Till Helen Comes. New York: Clarion Books, 1986. 184 pages. Ages 16-18. Genre: Chapter Book. Language: English
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Title: The Stepsister
Author: R.L. Stine
The Stepsister is a very interesting book to read. This was one of the first books that I actually really enjoyed reading. Emily, a girl that just met her new stepfather and stepsister, is not too excited about her stepsister. Ever since her father died, she has been having a hard time forgetting him. And so it seems, her stepsister isn’t planning on making her life any easier. Ever since Jessie moved in, Emily has been suffering a lot. Yet, at the end, it turns out that Jessie had nothing to do with it. Turns out that it was Emily’s younger sister whom was doing everything all along. Revenging her dead father thinking that Emily was to blame and using Jessie to make it look like she was the one doing everything to Emily. The author, R.L. Stine, has written many books. Some are Goosebumps books and others such as this one are Fear Street books. Even though he did not win any awards for this book, he was one of the most famous authors for children’s books in the 1990’s. There was even a TV series for Goosebumps that was a hit with children during its time.
I loved this book because it really kept me interested the whole time. The suspense, the drama, and all was really fun to read. I wouldn’t recommend this to teachers for them to give to their students as assignments to read yet I would recommend teachers to recommend this book and others like it to students for fun. This way, students will like what they are reading and all together, the rewarding part would be that, they are reading! I enjoyed it so much, that I read this book like 3 or 4 times.
Stine, R.L. The Stepsister. New York: Pocket Books, 1990. 165 pages. Ages 13-18. Genre: Young Adult Novels. Language: English
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Title: Much Ado About Nothing
Author: Shakespeare
This play is obviously good because the famous writer Shakespeare wrote it. This book is about a couple that falls in love. This is back in the late 1500’s. In this play, Hero and Claudio are deeply in love. Yet people try to split them up by making Claudio think that she is cheating on him but at the end, everything clears up and they get married and live happily ever after. Outstanding scholars edited this book and as one knows, Shakespeare is not only a great writer but also almost like a legend. He has left his mark on this world and people will hear of Shakespeare for many more centuries to come.
I was made to read this book in one of my literature classes and loved reading it. Not only was the century in which the play takes place very interesting because of their way of living but also because it shows that they had a lot in common with our time. Now in days, people still fight for love, people still are being cheated on, people still are being lied to, and more. Some of Shakespeare’s books are very hard to follow along or even understand but this book was pretty clear and it made it the more fun to read. This book is perfect for a literature class because it is a great short play written by a great writer.
Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing. New York: 1998. 100 pages. Ages 17- . Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English
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Title: Horrible Harry and the Dungeon
Author: Suzy Kline
Harry is a very naughty boy whom causes a lot of trouble in his class. One day, he misbehaves and is sent to go with Mr. Skooghammer, the new teacher. Harry is teribly frightened. He believes he is on his way to “the dungeon.” He thinks that Mr. Skooghammer is an evil man who will torture him but at the end he realizes that Mr. Skooghammer is not evil at all. In fact, he has a great time in the suspension room with him. Suzy Kline did not receive any awards yet she is actually a second grade teacher and she dedicated this book to her second grade students. Other books she has written include books such as Horrible Harry in Rm 2b, Horrible Harry’s Secret, and more.
This is a great book because it deals with kids their age and in a way it makes them think twice before judging a book by its cover. In the book, Harry thought that Mr. Skooghammer was a mean teacher and it turns out that he was a great one. Another great thing about this book is that they talk a lot about nature in this book and that is good for our young readers as well.
Kline, Suzy. Horrible Harry and the Dungeon. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1996. 58 pages. Ages 7-9. Genre: Chapter book. Language: English
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Title: Como mamá, Just like Mom
Author: Isabel Muñoz
This book is a great book for bilingual students starting to read. This book is about a little boy named Eric who is being annoyed by his little sister Julieta. For fun, he decides to dress up Julieta as his mom. He puts on his sister his mother’s dress, makeup, and jewelry. But when he tells Julieta to walk like mom in his mother’s long purple dress, she slips. And whom was to blame, of course, Eric. There is no information on the author or if she has won any awards yet this book is a scholastic book.
This is such a great book for students whom are bilingual because the book is in Spanish and in English. One can read it in whichever language they want. I would recommend this book to teachers because it is bilingual, it deals with children doing what children do best, have fun. Another thing is that the book is not too long so it is the perfect length for children learning to read. Another thing is that there are nice big pictures in which the students can see what is going on in the story.
Muñoz, Isabel. Como mamá, Just Like Mom. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2005. 22 pages. Ages: 4-7 Genre: Picture book. Language: English and Spanish
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Title: The Cat in the Hat
Author: Dr. Seuss
In this crazy children’s book, the Cat comes into the home of two children along with Thing 1 and Thing 2. They make a mess out of the house while trying to make the children have fun. Yet it is no fun when their house is being destroyed. Yet, right before their mother arrives, the Cat along with Thing 1 and 2 disappear leaving the house as it was before they arrived! Dr. Seuss is a great author. He uses rhymes, creatures out of this world, and much more to write these books which is obviously a good idea because there is no children whom has never read a book by Dr. Seuss.
I really enjoyed reading Dr. Seuss books because I found it funny and interesting how bad this Cat would behave yet he was still a good hearted Cat. Like in this book, all he was trying to do was cheer these kids up, yet, he did it by almost completely destroying their home. I would really recommend this book to teachers because it is a great book for students beginning to read. These books are also found in Spanish for those bilingual students.
Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1957. 72 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture Storybook. Language: English
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Title: The Cat in the Hat Comes Back
Author: Dr. Seuss
In this book, the naughty and annoying Cat is back. Sally and her big brother are put to shovel snow yet here comes along the Cat again ready to prevent them from doing their chore. Once again, they get into their house and start messing around with all of their parents belongings and more. Dr. Seuss has written many great children’s books which have left their mark on all of them including me because I had not read these books in a while and I still remembered it like it was yesterday.
I really would recommend this book to all the teachers with young students because it is a book that will keep them interested in the book and at the same time, it is not that hard to read. Because of the fact that it is not too long, it includes many pictures, and it rhymes, it is very easy for children to read.
Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1958. 72 pages. Ages 4-7. Genre: Picture Storybook. Language: English
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Title: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
Author: Dr. Seuss
This book was a great book to read back when I was young. It was a book about numbers, activities, colors, and so on. It involved colorful fish obviously, counting them, flying kites, and so much more. Dr. Seuss really wanted children to enjoy reading by writing these out of the ordinary books. The rhymes and the stories are so amusing that they just make one want to read more and more.
These books are great for children. These books will help them learn to read in a fun way. The book is very colorful, the rhymes are very funny, and the activities and the creatures and children do in the book are very fun to see. I would really recommend not only this book but all the Dr. Seuss books to all the teachers yet I’m sure they have all already know that these books are some of the best books out there for beginners.
Dr. Seuss. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1960. 72 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture Storybook. Language: English
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Title: Thomas’s ABC Book
Author: Rev. W. Awdry
This book is about Thomas the train and his friends. What is nice about this book is that it goes through the whole alphabet by naming objects concerning trains and Thomas’s friends as well. The book does not say if it has won any awards but I am sure it has because it is very popular throughout the U. S. and it also has a television show called Shining Time Station. There are more books like this such as “Thomas’ Train Yard Tracks,” “All Aboard with Thomas,” and more.
These books are really nice for children. Not only does it include the alphabet but it also helps children learn about trains. I would really recommend this to pre-school teachers and to parents to read to their children. Even if they do not go to school yet, if read to children by their parents, it will prepare them for either pre- school or kindergarten.
Awdry, W. Thomas‘s ABC Book. New York: Random House Inc., 1998. 23 pages. Ages 2-5. Genre: Picture book. Language: English
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Title: Sissy Duckling
Author: Harvey Fierstein
This great book is about a little duck named Elmer. Elmer does not really follow the crowd, which is what his father would like for him to do. Instead of playing sports he cheers them on, he loves to cook, and so on yet his father does not approve of that and all the other ducks his age start calling him a “sissy” which makes his father even more upset. One day, when all the duck are flying away for the winter, he decides to stay and live inside a tree. Yet he does not stay alone. Turns out that hunters shot his father and he ends up taking care of him making his father accept him for who he is. This book does not mention any awards yet the reviews are great.
I really recommend this book to teachers and parents. It is very important that children are being informed about gay men and lesbian women. They have to understand that these homosexuals are no different to any other person. We are all humans and people names such as “sissy” hurts people’s feelings. There is nothing wrong with being a homosexual and children should be taught all of this.
Fierstein, Harvey. Sissy Duckling. New York: Aladdin, 2005. 40 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
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Title: The Nutcracker
Author: ????
This pop-up book is about a girl who receives for Christmas a nutcracker. She falls asleep and starts to dream about the nutcracker becoming a prince. There are evil mice, floats, and more. I’m not sure if there are any awards for this book but there are more like it such as “A Christmas Carol,” “The Night Before Christmas,” “The First Christmas,” and more.
Even though these are great books, I am not sure if I would recommend it to teachers. This book in particular would be fine but books such as The First Christmas I wouldn’t be to sure because it involves religion and I don’t think that is too appropriate. Maybe, if the teacher believes it is a good book, she could have it in class for children to read by themselves. If they chose it, then there should be no problem. I’m sure they would enjoy it because most children love pop-ups.
Unknown. The Nutcracker. Ohio: Landoll, Inc., 1995. 5 pages. Ages 4-7. Genre: Picture book. Language: English
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Title: Mi Primer Larousse de Cuentos
Author: Amalia Estrada
This book includes many stories in it. It includes Blanca Nieves, La Cenicienta, La Bella Durmiente del Bosque, El Gato con Botas, Pulgarcito, Caperucita Roja, El Patito Feo, La Princesa y el Guisante, Los Tres Cerditos, y Barba Azul. What is nice about this book is that all the fairytale stories are different from the original ones. For example, in Blanca Nieves, the witch tries to poison her with a comb first. But once the dwarfs took the comb out of her hair, she was ok. These stories are great and out of the ordinary. Since it is a book from Mexico, I am not sure if it has won awards but I’m sure it has because they seem to be very popular.
I would really recommend this book to parents and teachers. It is really nice to see a different story from one’s favorite fairytale. It will set off the children’s imaginations and more.
Estrada, Amalia. Mi Primer Larousse de Cuentos. Paris: Larousse/VUEF 21, 2002. 239 pages. Ages 6-?. Genre: Picture book. Language: Spanish
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Title: House on Mango Street
Author: Sandra Cisneros
This book is about a young girl named Esperanza Cordero. Esperanza is a Hispanic girl who lives in Chicago. She goes through a lot of situations like discrimination and more. She faces school issues, home issues, and community issues. Cisneros won the American Book Award for this book.
I would really recommend this book to everyone, not only teachers. I really enjoyed it because I myself was able to relate to Esperanza being a Hispanic girl myself that has to deal with discrimination at times. All we want to do is reach our goals no matter what it takes. Teachers should really have their students read this book because it teaches them about life such as gangs, discrimination, pregnancy, and more.
Cisneros, Sandra. House on Mango Street. New York: American Book Award, 1985. 128 pages. Ages 15-??. Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction. Language: English
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Title: Lyddie
Author: Katherine Paterson
This heartfelt book is about a girl named Lyddie whom is sent to work along with her brother Charles in order to make money to pay for their debts and get the family farm back. After she sees that that will never happen, she decides to be free and independent. She sets goals such as going to college and being someone in life.
I would recommend this book to teachers because it will teach children about family values. Also, that when there are life struggles, no one should ever give up because if one sets their minds, they can achieve anything just like Lyddie did.
Paterson, Katherine. Lyddie. New York: Puffin, 2004. 192 pages. Ages 9-12. Genre: Historical Fiction. Language: English
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Title: The Real Mother Goose
Author: Blanche Fish Wright
This Mother Goose is a great book. It has most of the little poems I loved reading while growing up. Such poems include “Pat a cake,” “The Cat and the Fiddle,” and more. These are poems that one will remember forever and pass it on to one’s children and grandchildren. The book does not mention any awards won for it yet I know the author has won awards for many of her other books.
This book would be great for teachers and parents. It really sets children’s imagination. It also teaches them about rhyming words and other fun stuff such as animals, characters, and more. This book has touched children’s lives in such a way that today as grown ups they still remember them. Also, I am sure it would be recommended by many other schools as well.
Wright, Blanche. The Real Mother Goose. New York: Cartwheel; Library Binding Edition, 1994. 128 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Poetry. Language: English
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Title: Porsh Lies, Tales of Sticksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters
Author: Patricia C. McKissack
This great folktale book is a book about many different witty characters. Such characters include Pete Bruce, Mingo, Frank, Jesse James, the Howard boys, and many more. Even though this book did not win any awards, it is still considered a great book just like the many others she has written. These books include “The Honest to Goodness Truth,” “The Story of Doctor Dolittle,” and many more.
This book would be great for teachers to either read or have their students read on their own. Not only will the children’s imagination grow but these are catchy stories that they will want to read over and over again helping them better their reading.
McKissack, Patricia. Porsh Lies, Tales of Sticksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters. New York: Schwartz and Wade, 2006. 160pages. Ages 9-12. Genre: Traditional Literature. Language: English
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Title: Hatchet
Author: Gary Paulsen
This great story is about a young boy named Brian who is on his way to visit his father in Canada yet unfortunately is part of a plane accident in which he is stranded. Being alone, he struggles to survive on his own. At his young age he does many things that keep him alive yet at times he starts to lose faith. This book was reviewed as the Newberry Honor Book, An Ana Notable Book, and Booklists Editor’s Choice.
This is a book that will keep kids on the edge of their seats! It is a great book that will have kids reading a great book that they will not want to stop until they finish it yet best of all, it will have them reading which will better their vocabulary, grammar, and more.
Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Aladdin, 2006. 192pages. Ages 9-12. Genre: Survival Story. Language: English
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Title: Shadow and the Coconut Caper
Author: Richard Hays
This book is about Shadow the raccoon whom puts clues for his friend Screech by using arrows and coconuts. Even though Screech thinks its all tricks from Shadow, he still decides to follow the arrows. At the end, it turns out that the arrows were taking him to where his friends where waiting for him to say to him happy birthday. It does not say if the author won any awards for this book but he has written many other books such as “Dreamer Has a Nightmare,” “Stretch’s Treasure Hunt,” “Camels Don’t Fly,” and many more.
The reason why I would recommend this book to teachers is because this book would really set off children’s imaginations. It involves animals and from the jungle and the fun and mysteries they go through. It teaches children about friendship and how to get along. It teaches children to treat others the way they would like to be treated.
Hays, Richard. Shadow and the Coconut Caper. Canada: The Illustrated Word, Inc., 2001. 23 pages. Ages 4-7. Genre: Picture book. Language: English
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